10 things to do in Vancouver: Sunday, December 3

Dec 1 2017, 3:44 am

Sunday is here and it’s loaded with fun winter activities, including Santa Claus Parades, Craft Fairs and more. Fill your day with our 10 events to experience in Vancouver.

For more things happening around town, check out our events section.

Santa Claus Parade 2017

Santa Claus at a previous parade in Vancouver (Sergei Bachlakov/Shutterstock)

Santa Claus at a previous parade in Vancouver (Sergei Bachlakov/Shutterstock)

  • What: Father Christmas returns to the city on Sunday, December 3, with thousands of people expected to participate in the parade and line the parade route. The parade starts at noon, at West Georgia and Broughton, then travels east along West Georgia, before turning south on Howe and finishing at Howe and Davie. The event has become a Vancouver tradition with hundreds of colourful floats and performances from bands, choirs, and community groups.
  • When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
  • Time: Christmas Square from 10 am to noon, parade starts at noon
  • Where: Christmas Square outside Vancouver Art Gallery; Parade starts at West Georgia and Broughton, ends at Howe and Davie – Vancouver
  • Tickets: Free! Donations for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank are encouraged.

Toque Fundraiser and Craft Fair

  • What: The Toque Fundraiser and Craft Fair raises funds for Western Front, an artist-run centre for contemporary art and new music based in Vancouver. The centre produces and presents visual art, exhibitions, concerts and workshops, media-art residencies, and performance art. The Toque Fundraiser and Craft Fair showcases a curated selection of designers and artists, as well as offering shopping, a back deck barbecue, and bake sale.
  • When: Now to December 3, 2017
  • Time: 11 am to 5 pm
  • Where: Luxe Hall at Western Front – 303 East 8th Avenue, Vancouver
  • Admission: By donation

Heritage Christmas

  • What: ​Heritage Christmas with old-fashioned fun. Special entertainment is scheduled throughout the season including theatre performances, community choirs, street characters and musicians.
  • When: Now to January 5, 2018
  • Time: November 25 to December 15: Monday to Friday 1 to 5:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 9 pm; December 16 to January 5: daily 1 to 9 pm (closed December 24 and 25)
  • Where: Burnaby Village Museum – 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
  • Admission: Free

River District Winter Craft Fair 2017 

  • What: The River District Craft Fair aims to support local businesses by featuring BC artisans from the area. Head here to get your holiday fill of food and gifts.
  • When: Every Sunday to December 10, 2017
  • Time: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Where: 8683 Kerr Street, Vancouver
  • Admission: Free

Hastings Park Winter Farmer’s Market

  • What: Find a great selection of local produce, fish, meat, dairy, artisan prepared foods, baked goods, local crafts, craft alcohol producers, and food trucks.
  • When: Every Sunday until April 29 (except December 24 and 31)
  • Time: 10 am to 2 pm
  • Where: Hastings Park Centregrounds – 2901 East Hastings Street
  • Admission: Free

2017 Grad Show – Stand Up for Mental Health

  • What: Led by award-winning counsellor and stand up comic David Granirer, Stand Up For Mental Health teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma. This show features Granirer, the 2017 class and the SMH Alumni.
  • When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
  • Time: 7 pm
  • Where: Yuk Yuks – 2837 Cambie Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: Online, $20

Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair

  • What: The 4th annual Burnaby Christmas Craft Fair features 80% local handmade items and live music along with a raffle and prizes. Partial proceeds from the craft fair go towards the music program at Burnaby Central Secondary School.
  • When: Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3, 2017
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: Bonsor Recreation Complex – 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby
  • Admission: By Donation

12th Annual Surrey Santa Parade

Cloverdale BIA

Cloverdale BIA / Facebook

  • What: ​​Visit the Cloverdale Town Centre in Surrey and celebrate the arrival of Santa with a magical, evening, lighted parade. There will be vintage cars, vintage trucks, floats, boats, and more. There will be several groups along with the route selling food and novelties, with proceeds going to charity. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation or gift item for the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.
  • When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
  • Time: 5 pm
  • Where: Downtown Cloverdale
  • Price: Free. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation or gift item for the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

Sweet Sip at The Keefer Bar 

  • What:  Sweet Soul Burlesque’s Sweet Sip is ready to kick off your holiday celebrations. Hosted by Crystal Precious, with performances by Cherry On Top, Melody Mangler, Ariel Helvetica, special guest Ginger Valentine, and DJs Roy Abel and Tina Tank Gyal.
  • When: Sunday, December 3, 2017
  • Time: 9 pm
  • Where: The Keefer Bar – 135 Keefer Street, Vancouver
  • Tickets: $15

Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair

  • What: The 37th annual Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair will feature over 100 BC artisans. The Poirier Forum will be turned into a holiday wonderland offering attendees artisan crafts, prepared foods, holiday gifts, and decor.
  • When: Now to Sunday, December 3, 2017
  • Time: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Where: Poirier Forum – 618 Poirier Street, Coquitlam
  • Price: $3 at the door, kids 12 and under free
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